Rabbi’s birthday treat for Brondesbury members
V BRONDESBURY PARK Synagogue’s Rabbi Baruch Levin could have been forgiven for spending the 16th anniversary of his arrival at the flourishing North-West London congregation reflecting on the remarkable impact he and wife Kezi have made.
But resting on their laurels has never been the couple’s style.
Instead, in an initiative launched in shul on Shabbat, Rabbi Levin has offered members an innovative birthday present.
If contacted either through a text or WhatsApp message with the words “let’s learn”, Rabbi Levin will offer a 45-minute lesson to the congregant, either one-to-one, or with family and friends.
He is happy to cover any Jewish-related topic, with suggestions including fundamentals of Judaism, kashrut, Jewish philosophy or history and contemporary Jewish ethics.
“For me, the real thrill of the last 16 years has been the sense of revitalising Jewish life in an area that was once the epicentre of Jewish London,” Rabbi Levin told the JC.
“That, coupled with the joy of making Judaism accessible and relatable, is what makes me tick.”
Offered until March 31, “Let’s Learn” has proved an instant hit.
It reflected that “at Brondesbury, we’re more than just a community, we’re a family.
“It’s been a collective effort from day one and alongside Kezi and me, each member has made their own distinct mark on the community.”
Since he joined Brondesbury in January 2004, a congregation of less than 100 households has grown into a community of more than 350 households.
He recalled that in his early days, there were often no more than five children in shul.
Brondesbury now runs six children’s services attracting some 300 under18s. Fifty-one new members joined last year.
The Levin family has also expanded to number six sons — Meir, Akiva, Shneur, Dovi, Shua and Yossi — and daughter Racheli.
Brondesbury services have been held at a local primary school during an ambitious rebuild of the shul, which is expected to be completed in late summer.